2026 Best Value Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the Southwest Region

1

Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ

Our analysis ranked Arizona State University the best value for a degree in parks, recreation & leisure studies in the Southwest Region. Arizona State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tempe. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Students borrow a median of $22,396 to complete the parks, recreation & leisure studies program here. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates of Arizona State University earn a median of $43,149 early in their careers. Set against $22,396 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.

2

Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ

Northern Arizona University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in parks, recreation & leisure studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,619, with out-of-state students paying around $20,044. Typical student debt for parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates is $21,500. Early-career parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates make about $31,672. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Northern Arizona University admits about 90% of applicants.

3

Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Stillwater, OK

Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value parks, recreation & leisure studies schools. Located in the town of Stillwater, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,110, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates is $21,313. Early-career parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates make about $37,393. Set against $21,313 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.

4

Texas A And M University College Station
College Station, TX

Students looking for strong value in parks, recreation & leisure studies will find it at Texas A And M University College Station, which ranked #4. Texas A And M University College Station is a very large public school located in the city of College Station. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates is $20,031. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation & leisure studies degree recipients from Texas A And M University College Station generally make around $64,891. Set against $20,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted.